Word
irritated
Phoneticsir·ri·tat·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪɹəˌteɪtəd/
UK/ˈɪɹɪtˌeɪtɪd/
Definitions
01annoyed
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling slightly angry or impatient because of something or someone.
adj. experiencing a state of mild anger, impatience, or annoyance. Often used with the prepositions 'by', 'at', or 'with'.
“He became irritated when the train was delayed for the third time this week.”
“The manager grew increasingly irritated by the constant interruptions during the board meeting, eventually asking everyone to silence their phones.”
Usage
Commonly follows 'feel', 'become', or 'get'.
Pitfall
I was very irritating with the loud music.
I was very irritated by the loud music.
Use 'irritated' to describe how you feel; use 'irritating' to describe the thing that causes the feeling.
02sore or inflamed
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. when a part of your body is red, sore, or painful.
adj. describing a body part or tissue that is inflamed, sensitive, or painful due to physical friction or chemical exposure.
“Her eyes were red and irritated after spending all day swimming in the pool.”
“The patient reported that his skin became irritated and itchy shortly after he started using the new laundry detergent.”
Usage
Often used to describe skin, eyes, or the throat.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“It’s like a fresh scent,” one tester said – perhaps as a result of its primary ingredient, probiotic oat, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm itchy or irritated skin.” “My earliest memories of the Notting Hill carnival are of being mildly irritated.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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